Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who have further training in the specialty of electrophysiology. After getting their bachelor’s degree, they go through a process that involves completing:

An average of four years in medical school

A three-year residency in internal medicine

Three to five years additional training in cardiovascular disease fellowship(s)

An exam to become certified as a cardiologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine or the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association

Two years additional training in electrophysiology 

An exam to become certified as an electrophysiologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine

Your primary care doctor or another cardiologist may refer you to an electrophysiologist if you:

Have an abnormal heart rhythm

Are undergoing or being considered for cardiac ablation, a procedure that creates scar tissue in order to block erratic signals

Experience syncope, i.e., a sudden loss of consciousness

Have a risk of sudden cardiac death

Are undergoing heart surgery

Might benefit from a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)

Electrophysiologists are generally seen by referral and not through direct appointment.